Climate Change, Health, and Development: Addressing Food Insecurity in Pakistan

Local and foreign experts have raised alarms. They warn that severe water scarcity and escalating climate change impacts could affect up to half of Pakistan’s population by 2030. This could lead to widespread food insecurity.

This dire message emerged during a two-day symposium. The symposium was on ‘Climate Change, Agriculture, Human Nutrition, and Development in Pakistan.’ It was hosted by the Institute for Global Health and Development (IGHD). The News reported this information.

Key Discussions at the Symposium

The Sustainable Development Solutions Network Pakistan (SDSN) collaborated to hold the symposium, which concluded on Saturday and featured discussions on the intersection of climate issues, food security, and public health. During the symposium, experts emphasized the urgent need for innovative solutions to address these interconnected challenges

In his closing remarks at the symposium, Professor Dr. Zulfiqar Bhutta, founding director of the IGHD at the Aga Khan University (AKU), emphasized that the urgent need for innovative solutions to address the interconnected challenges of climate change, health, and development exists.

“With 90% of Pakistan’s agriculture reliant on the threatened Indus River system, glacial melting and erratic rainfall patterns are driving us toward unprecedented food shortages,” he cautioned.

Quoting Prof. Sir Andrew Haines from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, he pointed out that humanity had breached six of nine planetary boundaries. These included climate change and biodiversity loss. As a result, global systems are being pushed into dangerous zones.

Additionally, experts at the event highlighted how climate change exacerbated gender inequities. It disproportionately impacts women, who make up 40% to 60% of Pakistan’s agricultural labor force. However, these women remain marginalized in decision-making.

They also pointed out high levels of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies in Pakistan as urgent problems requiring immediate action. 

Call for Collaborative Solutions

The chief guest of the concluding session, Jawed Sibghatullah Mahar, Sindh Planning and Development secretary, stressed the urgency of collaborative efforts. 

“Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a reality that demands innovative and inclusive solutions,” he stated, reiterating the importance of platforms like the symposium for bridging research and policymaking.

Dr Tania Bubela, AKU provost, highlighted the importance of cross-disciplinary efforts to address these challenges. “Climate change is a multidimensional crisis that requires cooperation across all sectors. AKU remains committed to leading evidence-based initiatives for a sustainable future,” she said.

AKU Dean Dr Adil Haider echoed these sentiments emphasising the institution’s role in connecting academic research to practical solutions. 

“As a leading academic institution in the region, AKU is focused on inspiring solutions that strengthen resilience and ensure sustainable development,” he said.

Also See: Pakistan unveils NCFS on sidelines of COP29

National Platform to Address Climate Challenges

The conference’s inaugural session on Friday featured Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, chairman of the Higher Education Commission. He announced plans to raise Rs100 million. The funds would be used to establish a national platform of experts. This platform would focus on addressing climate-induced challenges.

This platform, a brainchild of Dr Bhutta, aims to unite experts in health, agriculture, food security and nutrition to work cohesively rather than in silos. 

Dr Ahmed emphasised the importance of equipping Pakistan with innovative, locally-driven solutions and praised AKU for fostering dialogue on climate change’s most pressing challenges.

Prof. Sir Andrew Haines discussed the implications of climate change on planetary health and development. Dr. Lynette Neufeld, director of food and nutrition at the Food and Agriculture Organisation, highlighted how climate change exacerbates malnutrition. She emphasized its impact, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Pakistan.

Dr Haris Gazdar from the Collective for Social Science Research delved into the gender dimensions of food insecurity, emphasising the disproportionate burden on rural women. 

Actionable Solutions and Panel Discussions

Technical sessions explored actionable solutions. Dr Abid Suleri from the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) presented cost-effective climate investments needed for Pakistan.

Dr Ghulam Muhammad Ali, chairman of the Pakistan Agriculture Research Council, discussed biotechnology solutions for improving rice and wheat production. 

Furthermore, Dr. Mehreen Mujtaba from the federal ministry of health addressed the challenges of nutrition policies. She discussed these challenges in the face of worsening climate impacts. Dr. Jai K Das from AKU shed light on how prolonged heat exposure affects women and children in rural areas. He emphasized that climate change disproportionately impacts these groups.

A panel discussion, featuring Dr Suleri, Dr Mujtaba, Tatyana Al-Kour, and others, called for adopting innovative solutions to mitigate climate change’s effects on food security, health, and nutrition. 

The speakers highlighted how nature-based solutions and well-designed climate mitigation strategies could reduce risks and improve resilience.

Concluding the symposium, Dr Bhutta reiterated the urgency of shifting from reactive measures to proactive strategies. “We must act now to ensure a sustainable future, leveraging evidence-based approaches to combat these challenges,” he said. 

The event concluded with commitments to fostering interdisciplinary research and actionable solutions for sustainable development.

This news is sourced from [Geo] and is for informational purposes only.